Joseph C. Phillips was born and raised in Denver, Colorado the only son of four children. After graduation from George Washington High School he attended the University of the Pacific in central California as a communications major. Having been bitten by the theatre bug early on, Mr. Phillips decided on an acting career and transferred to the acting conservatory at New York University where he graduated with a BFA in Acting in 1983.
After graduation Mr. Phillips continued his education, studying with Michael Howard, Chicago City Limits and the late Nora Dunfee. He also participated in acting workshops with Anna Deveare Smith and Carmen Delavallade.
Joseph's many theatrical credits include starring roles in the Broadway production of Six Degrees of Separation, the Kennedy Center and American Playhouse productions of A Raisin in the Sun, starring Danny Glover and Esther Rolle, and the off-Broadway production of Coriolanus with Christopher Walken and Irene Worth. Mr. Phillips also had the honor of creating the title role in Dreaming Emmett, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author Toni Morrison.s only theatrical play. Joseph's solo performance piece, Professor Lombooza Lomboo was recently a featured production at the 12th annual National Black Theatre Festival and the 2001 Minnesota Fringe Festival.
His feature film credits include starring roles in Strictly Business, Let's Talk About Sex, and Midnight Blue. On television he starred on the hit series The Cosby Show and was a three time NAACP Image Award Nominee for his portrayal of Attorney Justus Ward on the Daytime Drama General Hospital. He has also had guest starring roles on The King of Queens, Judging Amy, Family Law, Martin, The Larry Sanders Show, City of Angeles, Any Day Now, The Parkers, Popular, V.I.P., and Living Single among others.
Acting, however is just one of Joseph's many passions. His interest in community service has led to Mr. Phillips involvement with the Special Olympics, The Green Chimneys Foundation, of which he was an advisory board member, The Red Cross and most recently the Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles.
He has been a visiting speaker at elementary and primary schools across the country and has been the keynote speaker for organizations such as the Colorado Sickle Cell Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Youngstown University, California State University At Northridge, Towson State University, Pepperdine University, The Green Chimney's Foundation, The Chicago Black Expo and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Mr. Phillips has taught acting workshops at the National Black Theatre Festival, The College of William and Mary, California State University Long Beach, Louisiana State University, Delta State College, Canoga Park High School and The Lutheran School.
As a writer Mr. Phillips has had essays published in Newsweek, Essence Magazine, USA Today, Turning Point, College Digest and is a regular contributor to The Columbus Post. He has also contributed commentary to BET Tonight, The Tavis Smiley Radio Show, and Politically Incorrect
An interest in Law resulted in Joseph's acceptance to Rutgers University School of Law., an auxiliary career path he has put on hold. He is also a graduate of culinary school and has had recipes published in Soap Opera Digest, Essence Magazine and the best selling cookbook, Cooking with Regis And Kathy Lee.
However, his greatest passion is Nicole, his wife of 7 years, and their three children, Connor, 4, Ellis, 2 and newborn Samuel.
PLACE OF BIRTH: Denver, Colorado
DATE OF BIRTH: January 17, 1962
HEIGHT: 6'2"
HAIR: Black
EYES: Dark Brown
